Topoware!

Topo what!? Why it's topoware! 

Yes, geographically designed dinnerware for your table. The designers used the concept of topographic maps to design the dishes to your right.

If you look really closely, you will see that the elevation lines do not have feet above or below sea level. What they do have are words like, "modest", "moderate" and "greedy". In case it is not clear, the outer lines are the greedy portions.

Quite clever, don't you think?

I looked at their website to see about buying a set myself (the geography lover), but I couldn't figure it out. If anyone knows how to buy this, would you let me know? I love it!

More Latte Art

Oh, the things we'll do to entertain ourselves...

Art in a cup... 

I like it!

World Largest Bird Feeder

What is this, you ask? Why is the title the worlds largest bird feeder? 

Well, the building exterior is made of corn husks. It is found in Mitchell, South Dakota. Each year, a new design is drawn on the walls and corn that is grown for this yearly event are used to create the image. The photo of the mural is one of the latest creations.

There is a specific farmer that is in charge of growing the corn. It is a specific careful process to keep the colors true to form and that all of the kernels are the same color. They are sawed in half, the ends trim and air gunned to the wall.

Come the colder months, the birds eat the corn off of the walls. Then it is time to start over again. How is that for an example of public art?

Well, I guess it qualifies...

It is that time of year! Halloween is right around the corner, and that means lots and lots of kids of all ages up to mischief. 

Just take a look here. Quite creative and nicely done. It may not have been my preferred design, but it is cleaver.

It just might inspire me.... I've got a couple of weeks to churn the brain. (That seemed an appropriate pun considering the season.)

Play with your food, please!

This is Russell Timerman who entered the Creative Fruits and Vegetable Competition at the 51st Annual 4-H Youth show at the Farm Council Grounds in Washtenaw County.

He used cauliflower, black olives, black eyed peas, and four cinnamon sticks to create this flock. To hold the sheep together, he used toothpicks and cream cheese. They are standing on coconut dyed green for their pasture. He was awarded an honorable mention for the second best creative effort among 20 entrants. 

Next year I will have to make a point to go see this. What fun! Makes me wonder what first prize looked like.

Good job Russell! I love your flock!

Slightly creepy art

These little tiny babies are made of polymer clay. The artist name is Camille Allen and her art has been the subject of a hoax. 

There is an email circulating claiming these are made of marzipan. The writer asks who could eat them? It was a good hoax because I fell for it. Then I looked a little further....

However, I have to say I do still find them a little creepy even if they aren't made of frosting.

Art & Bi Bin Bap!

One of my favorite places for a quick delicious place to eat is Kosmos Deli in a small shopping district called Kerrytown. The food is cheap, healthy and delicious! 

Plus there is some pretty fun art on the ceiling as shown here in this photo. The artist name is Dylan Straynski. It makes me smile every

 time I stop in for a bite. Plus, as a bonus, they serve grown up ding-dongs! Yum!

Weird Fruit

What do you do with a horn melon? Good question. What an odd looking fruit. I guess it is, since it has seeds.

Anyway, apparently it tastes like cucumber with hints of line and melon. Just look at it to see that that makes sense. Once you cut it, you scoop out the translucent green jelly-like flesh. It is ideal for sauces and vinaigrettes. 

Boston's Food Project

On a recent trip to Boston, I visited the Food Project. It is an organization that teaches kids about making the connection of where food comes from and how it is grown and prepared. Kids who want to participate apply for the opportunity to learn how to plant and cultivate a garden. The photo here was taken in the heart of Boston. Each season 60 kids learn gardening techniques, leadership roles and teamwork skills. But it doesn't end at harvest. They also learn how to prepare the food and then offer it to the less fortunate and some of it is sold at the marketplace shown here. This is a highly competitive program that has been incredibly successful and rewarding. To learn more or to donate to the organization, click here.

Canstruction

These sculptures are part of an art competition that is held yearly and regionally called Canstruction. It was started as a foundation by the Society for Design Administration. 

The participants use canned food items to produce each sculpture. Once the judging and viewing are complete, the cans are donated to local food banks. Thus far this organization has donated over 10 million pounds of food to needy food banks that distribute the food to the emergency feeding programs, soup kitchens, the elderly and day care centers. 

This coming year there are around 100 different competitions scheduled in North America. Keep you eyes open for opportunities to compete and support this wonderful cause!

Muffin Cars on the loose!

This photo shows an electric muffin vehicle. A what? Yep. A car shaped like a muffin!

It was originally introduced at the yearly Burning Man event in 2004. More recently it showed up at the third annual Maker Faire at the San Mateo Event Center and Expo center. Over 65,000 people came to the event that showcases a gathering of folks from all walks of life who blend science, technology, craft and art to make things goofy and grand. Sounds like an event after my heart!

The above link takes you to brief interviews with some of the items that were showcased, including the muffin maker who is listed in fourth position as Acme Muffineering. How can you resist?

Play with your food!

How well can you identify the food that you eat? These are pretty easy and clever. And two of my favorite foods! Eggs and tomatoes! Yum!

How about candy bars? If they were cut in half, would you be able to identify them? It's pretty fun. To find out, click here.

Don't play with your food?

Now this invention makes me want to eat meals with children! What a great idea!

My mom used to make me teddy bear pancakes for breakfast. She would use raisins for eyes, mouths and buttons. They were a real treat. Although when I ate them, I would start at the bottom and eat their nose last so that they could breathe up until the very end. My love and compassion for animals started at a very young age.